Im in help of help here I have a 2001 dodge ram 3500 with a cummins and 5spd I have gauges I have a raptor lift pump and have good fuel pressure 20psi at idle. I start my truck and it might idle for 5 second or 5 mins then it's like someone shuts the key off. If I raise the idle to 1500 it seems like it's missing and won't actually stall. And sometimes it starts and runs fine no issues. I don't want to spend the money on unwanted repairs if I don't have to and I'm leaning toward my vp44 taking a dump but I'd really like to make sure since they are expensive please any info to help me diagnose this thanks.

 

Forgot to put the only codes I'm getting are for my fuel level sender is broken

 

Doesn't sound like the VP. maybe water in the fuel or contaminated? check connections at the PCM and check battery voltages. check for loose grounds too.
Are you filtering through the stock filter? or aftermarket?

 

I'm filtering through a stock filter and went over all groumds I could find would a bad battery be possible culprit and where is the ecm

 

The Engine control module is on the left side of the engine block. The powertrain control module is on the right hand rear of the engine compartment.

Check your filter bowl,
The ECM/PCM are not tripping a code so the sensors would appear to be functioning correctly. Check your Fuel relay and ASD relay in the power distribution center ( left side fender) the Fuel relay also energizes the VP pump module. wiggle check connections, swap relays etc.

interesting thing about the fuel level deal here is a picture of mine.










all i can say is keep your tank topped off to prevent this.

 

Hi thanks for the info I will try that today. And what are u showing me /saying about my fuel level sender. Every now and then my fuel gauge will work but not be accurate. I have been driving with it broke for about 6 months watching my mileage.would the senser not working have anything to do with my problem?

 

The fuel pump module (in tank) gets worn in the sliders and sticks. Giving erroneous readings and not alowing the FP to sit in fuel at low fuel situations 1/4 tank etc.

Also the potentiometer (on the fuel level sender) gets to the point where there isn't enough spring left in the brush to contact the commutator of the potentiometer.
You can change the whole thing as an assembly or take it apart and delicately re-spring the brushes to make better contact.
I don't think that is the problem with the truck not running right but its 99% of the time the problem with the fuel level sender.

One other note to disassemble the sender you will need to thread the shaft that the float lever rides on and put a nut on it 4-40 standard thread works great.
see pic above.

 

Gotcha thanks

 

Don't know if this is the problem but found the wires coming from the vp44 (around the one that's tapped) the covering from the wire is gone for all the wires like they got hot and it's just deteriorate away I just siliconed the whole area to see if that helps

 

Man that is a good find, if the wires got that hot at the module there are probably issues.
Here are 3 schematics of the wiring the last page shows the VP connection.

engine-controls-1-of-3 2000 dodge.pdf

engine-controls-2-of-3 2000 dodge.pdf

engine-controls-3-of-3 2000 dodge.pdf

Usually one wire will appear burnt but all of them makes me wonder if the pump didn't get really hot.